E STARE MESTO
WHY GO? The Old Town tends to heave with visitors, but that’s for good reason. It dates back to the ninth century, and the system of haphazard laneways really hasn’t had much straightening out since. The medieval maze comes with some rather special Gothic and baroque architecture thrown into the mix, while the main square is one of Europe’s most spectacular. This is where you can find the Old Town Hall – the cellars and chapel are open to visitors – and its Astronomical Clock, whose moving figurines attract massive crowds. Elsewhere in Stare Mesto, handsome houses host restaurants and pretty churches are full of arts and treasures, while several weird little museums cover everything from Apple computers (
applemuseum.com) to alchemy (
alchemiae.cz).
WHAT TO DO Art lovers are spoiled for choice – the Convent of St Agnes is an excellent bet for medieval art, while the Národní Galerie Praha in the Palác Kinských features modern conceptual pieces and Renaissance heavyweights. But perhaps the most interesting quarter of Stare Mesto is Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto. Many historic buildings have been preserved and brought together under the banner of the Jewish Museum (
jewishmuseum.cz). These include four richly decorated synagogues, a Ceremonial Hall and the old cemetery. Most have exhibitions inside, and guided tours are available through Insight Cities (
insightcities.com), which charges about £52 for a three-hour, scholar-led walk.
travelweekly.co.uk
DESTINATIONS PRAGUE | SHORT BREAKS
MALÁ STRANA
WHY GO? Getting there is part of the fun. Across the Vltava River from Stare Mesto, Malá Strana is reached via the ornamental, statue- dotted Charles Bridge. Once at the other side, it is thronging with tourists along the admittedly pretty main streets, but dive off the main track and you’ll find gorgeous walled gardens, converted monasteries, lavish embassies and handsome palaces.
WHAT TO DO The Karel Zeman Museum (
muzeumkarlazemana.cz) is an unexpected treat, focusing on early movie special effects, while the Kafka Museum (
kafkamuseum.cz) is just as disconcerting as the books of the author it honours. But Malá Strana is made for mooching. Kampa Island offers parks, boat trips and some downright weird baby sculptures, while the Wallenstein Gardens are one of several that make for a blissful escape.
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